How to use a pregnancy test to see if you are pregnant
Pregnancy test sticks are a commonly used early pregnancy detection tool for women. Correct use and interpretation of the results are crucial to determining whether you are pregnant. Here's a detailed guide on how to use a pregnancy test, interpret results, and what to watch out for.
1. How the pregnancy test stick works

Pregnancy test stick detects urineHuman chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)to determine whether you are pregnant. hCG is a hormone secreted by the placenta, and its levels rise rapidly after pregnancy.
| Changes in hCG levels | pregnancy stage |
|---|---|
| 5-50 mIU/mL | 1-2 weeks pregnant |
| 50-500 mIU/mL | 2-3 weeks pregnant |
| 500-10,000 mIU/mL | 3-4 weeks pregnant |
2. The correct way to use the pregnancy test stick
1.Detection time: It is recommended toAfter menstruation is delayed by 1 weekor after having sexAbout 14 daysDetection results are more accurate.
2.Operation steps:
- Collect morning urine in a clean container (morning urine has the highest concentration of hCG).
- Dip the suction end of the pregnancy test stick into urine for 3-5 seconds, lay it flat and wait for the result.
- The results will be read within 5-10 minutes and will be invalid after 30 minutes.
3. Interpretation of pregnancy test results
| Display situation | Judgment of results | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| Two red lines (C+T) | Positive (pregnant) | It is recommended that the hospital confirm |
| a red line (C) | Negative (not pregnant) | If your period still hasn’t come, take the test again in 3 days |
| T-wire only or no red wire | Invalid | Replace the pregnancy test stick and take the test again |
4. Factors affecting the accuracy of pregnancy test sticks
1.Detection time is too early: hCG not reaching the detection threshold may lead to false negatives.
2.Operation error: Insufficient urine volume or too long soaking time.
3.drug interference: Taking hCG-containing drugs (such as ovulation induction drugs) may cause false positives.
4.disease factors: Ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, etc. may cause abnormal elevation of hCG.
5. Pregnancy test stick brand comparison (popular brand data)
| brand | Sensitivity | Detection time | price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| clear blue | 10 mIU/mL | 7 days after having sex | 30-50 yuan |
| david | 25 mIU/mL | Menstruation is delayed by 1 day | 5-10 yuan |
| Yu Ting | 20 mIU/mL | Menstruation is delayed by 3 days | 10-15 yuan |
6. Precautions
1. The accuracy of pregnancy test stick is about95%, it needs to be confirmed in conjunction with the hospital’s blood hCG test.
2. appearEctopic pregnancy symptoms(Severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding) Seek medical attention immediately.
3. If the result is negative but menstruation continues to be delayed, it is recommended to check for gynecological diseases or endocrine problems.
Through the above structured data and analysis, we hope to help you use the pregnancy test stick correctly and accurately interpret the results. If you have any questions, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor in time.
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